Field Identification
A greenish beetle with cream or yellow bands across the wing covers, common in the southern United States and tropics. Adults chew leaves and transmit bacterial wilt in cucurbits; larvae feed on roots and tubers.
About 6–7 mm, longitudinal bands may be partial; looks similar to striped cucumber beetle but banding pattern differs. Larvae are thin white wireworms with dark heads.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Use floating row cover until pollination; delay planting slightly to pass early adult peak where feasible.
Beneficial nematodes (Steinernema spp.) against soil larvae; Microsporidian pathogens occur in populations.
Trap crop with preferred squash or blue hubbard; rotate away from cucurbits; clean debris to reduce overwintering.
Sticky traps or yellow cups with soapy water; hand-pick adults evenings.
Kaolin clay on leaves reduces feeding; spinosad or neem for adults—reapply after rain.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Beneficial Nematodes
- Ground Beetles
- Braconid Wasps
Threat Map